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Australia is the poster child of cognitive dissonance and intentionally destructive policy.

Jared Diamond uses them as an example of unsustainable policy in Guns, Germs and Steel. They heavily subsidize sheep farming even though it's obvious that sheep farming is ecologically unsustainable in Australia. They have some of the worlds largest reserves of Uranium yet they have no nuclear power plants. Some of the best solar insolation yet they have less solar per capita than Germany.

Australia is the poster child of cognitive dissonance and intentionally destructive policy.

Jared Diamond uses them as an example of unsustainable policy in Guns, Germs and Steel. They heavily subsidize sheep farming even though it's obvious that sheep farming is ecologically unsustainable in Australia. They have some of the worlds largest reserves of Uranium yet they have no nuclear power plants. Some of the best solar insolation yet they have less solar per capita than Germany.

Australia needs to get their act together.... FAST.

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Yeah, we got our act together in 'Merica. Time to take on the Aussies. Then those suspect European countries with their "socialism" and warm beer.

Yeah, we got our act together in 'Merica. Time to take on the Aussies. Then those suspect European countries with their "socialism" and warm beer.

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I agree that the US isn't exactly a shining example of smart energy... but in terms of making things worse in the short term for REALLY short term gains... the US is junior varsity while Australia is definitely in the pro league.

The Aussies are also a sad proof that getting hurt by climate change can actually INCREASE AGW denial. Between record heat waves, wildfires and the decline of theirs and possibly the worlds greatest natural jewel, the great barrier reef. Australia is the first western nation to witness the destructive effect of our addiction to fossil fuels.

I agree that the US isn't exactly a shining example of smart energy... but in terms of making things worse in the short term for REALLY short term gains... the US is junior varsity while Australia is definitely in the pro league.

The Aussies are also a sad proof that getting hurt by climate change can actually INCREASE AGW denial. Between record heat waves, wildfires and the decline of theirs and possibly the worlds greatest natural jewel, the great barrier reef. Australia is the first western nation to witness the destructive effect of our addiction to fossil fuels.

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Unfortunately, the 'real' people down under have to bend and twist to the whims of a pro-coal/fossil moronic leader (i.e. Tony Abbott).
Mind you, there's no guarantee the opposition leader (whoever he happens to be today/tomorrow) will do anything different - except maybe allow a few hundred thousand boat people (illegal immigrants) in to the country.